President Santos proudly welcomes Atlético

"Atlético's visit is a source of pride for Colombia," said Santos at presidential palace

Hours before Wednesday’s friendly between Atlético and Millonarios kicked off in Bogotá, a Rojiblanco contingent composed of natives Radamel Falcao and Luis Amaranto Perea, Atleti coach Diego Simeone, captain Antonio López, club president Enrique Cerezo and general director Miguel Ángel Gil Marín were welcomed to the Casa de Nariño presidential palace by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

The Head of State told the story of how he experienced the Europa League final victory last Thursday.

“I was in China for a visit during the final in Bucharest and I still remember how excited I got when I heard Falcao’s two goals narrated in Chinese,” he said.

“For Colombia it’s a source of pride to have Atlético Madrid here. Every time Perea prevents a goal from scoring or Falcao scores, we feel prouder of being Colombian.

“Argentines have Messi and we have Falcao.”

Perea and Antonio López then presented President Santos with gifts, including an Atleti jersey signed by the entire squad, as did Cerezo, and our men themselves were each given a small token to commemorate the visit.

Finally, los Colchoneros, the President, and representatives of Millonarios posed for pictures with a group of children from an Atlético Madrid foundation based in the Department of Casanere in Colombia.